The suspension comes after the NFL investigated whether Hardy violated the league’s personal conduct policy. Hardy is able to appeal the decision within three days.

Last year, while Hardy was a member of the Carolina Panthers, the defensive end was found guilty by a judge in a bench trial of assaulting and threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend Nicole Holder. The charges were dismissed in February after Holder failed to appear in court and could not be found by prosecutors, who said she received a settlement from Hardy.

Hardy only played one game in 2014, as he spent most of the season on the commissioner’s exempt list.

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Despite the possibility that the NFL would issue a suspension, the Cowboys signed Hardy to a one-year deal worth up to $13 million in March. The 10-game suspension means that Hardy’s first game as a Cowboy would come against the Panthers, his former team.

A North Carolina judge ruled earlier this month that the NFL could view photos submitted as evidence in the case as part of the league’s investigation.

On Tuesday, Hardy filed a petition to expunge domestic charges against him.

In 2013, Hardy had his best season in the NFL, recording 15 sacks and 40 tackles en route to Pro Bowl honors.